Ireland rugby captain Johnny Sexton is set to succeed Ryan Tubridy as the host of The Late Late Show, DTTN understands.
The surprise appointment is sure to put a few noses out of joint at Montrose, but Sexton appears to be relishing the challenge.
“Once Johnny leads the boys to Grand Slam and World Cup glory he’ll have achieved everything in the game,” said a source close to Irish out-half. “Becoming Late Late host is the only natural progression.
He’s already got showbiz experience – have you seen those Mace ads? And as a sports star inane interview situations are second nature. Even difficult guests won’t phase him – they’ll be no worse than Six Nations refs.”
It is understood that Sexton is planning to shake up RTE’s flagship chat show, with a greater emphasis being placed on rugby.
The theme tune will be replaced by Paul O’Connell staring at the screen in silence for three seconds, and instead of a house band the audience will sing Ireland’s Call once every twenty minutes.
“Johnny will play to his strengths,” said the source, “so there’ll be audience assisted recreations of his greatest moments, and we might even see the Kearney brothers pop in with a guitar to do some Kodaline.”
RTE execs are reserving the right to cancel the agreement should Ireland fail to beat England tomorrow and flop in the World Cup.